Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country’s military actions in Gaza during a contentious address to Congress, urging continued U.S. support and ridiculing protesters. He cited an unverified intelligence report and largely ignored criticism surrounding the conflict, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated Gaza.
The TRT.com reported the facts and claims about Netanyahu’s speech.
Claims vs. Facts:
Claim: “Despite all the lies you’ve heard, the war in Gaza has one of the lowest ratios of combatants to non-combatant casualties in the history of urban warfare.”
Fact: Gaza’s confirmed death toll is nearly 40,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which has published detailed lists of the dead, including their Israeli-issued identification numbers. The majority of those killed have been women and children. The true death toll is likely higher than official numbers, as many of the dead remain buried under rubble or were buried in makeshift sites by Israeli forces. The Biden administration has acknowledged this.
Claim: “I suggest you listen to Col. John Spencer… Israel, he said, has implemented more precautions to prevent civilian harm than any military in history, and beyond what international law requires.”
Fact: John Spencer is a military analyst known for his pro-Israeli stance. His views are not widely shared within the military analysis community. The Biden administration and the UN have repeatedly called for Israel to do more to prevent civilian harm and improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza. UNICEF has criticized the so-called “safe zones” in Gaza as inadequate, lacking essential resources, and subject to bombardment.
Claim: “If there are Palestinians in Gaza who aren’t getting enough food, it’s not because Israel is blocking it, it’s because Hamas is stealing it.”
Fact: The UN and international relief groups have consistently reported Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, attacks on aid convoys, and denials of movement within Gaza. Airstrikes on aid convoys have led to the suspension of operations by major aid groups. The lack of sufficient aid has caused severe food and water shortages. UN rapporteurs declared that famine exists across Gaza due to Israel’s blockade and actions.
Claim: Netanyahu claims civilian casualties stemming from Israeli operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah are “practically none.”
Fact: This claim is false. Multiple Israeli strikes in Rafah have resulted in civilian casualties. For instance, a May strike on a tent camp killed at least 46 people. Earlier strikes in February killed at least 95 civilians, about half of whom were children. Amnesty International has condemned these attacks as unlawful and evidence of Israel’s disregard for international humanitarian law.
Claim: “The vast majority of Americans have not fallen for this Hamas propaganda, they continue to support Israel.”
Fact: Netanyahu’s assertion is misleading. Polls indicate a significant portion of Americans either disapprove of or have serious reservations about Israel’s actions in Gaza. A Gallup survey found that 48% of Americans disapprove of the war, showing substantial public concern.
